The Kansas State band blared "Wildcat Victory" across the Sprint Center, but a majority of purple-clad fans remained seated, and not too many clapped. Forgive them. They were collectively punched in the gut by the sudden absence of two heroes in preseason All-American Jacob Pullen and preseason All-Big 12 selection Curtis Kelly. Yes, pregame rumors turned into a very real nightmare Tuesday as the 11th-ranked Wildcats fought on national television without the only two seniors on their roster.